Ipoh – the capital city for the state of Perak in Malaysia is a bustling city. It is occupied with its loud, hectic and eventful urbanites going about their daily lives with robotic synchronicity. This location, which was founded mainly for its Tin Industry back in the 19th century, is well on its way to being a Metropolis in the next few decades. These images, are not featuring Ipoh. Instead, these were taken in ‘Old Town’ Ipoh, located merely kilometres away from the aforementioned great real estate potential.

Here in ‘Old Town Ipoh’, or the locals call it, ‘Old Ipoh’ is the sleepy, quiet, and peaceful counterpart of its immediate neighbours. State policy was declared to preserve, and restore whenever required of this section of the town for heritage purposes. Consequently, even though we are experiencing the early light of the 21st century, this town resembles more like a natural movie set just waiting to be filmed. It is a time capsule at its best, glorifying the late 19th century of Ipoh.

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Its populace is dominantly Chinese who have inhabited the area since the town’s inception in the 19th century. The small business stalls have been passed down throughout the generations since that time unimpeded until the paradigm shift of globalization in recent years began to seep in. As such, ambitious adults began to leave the area to seek better industrial prospects in the neighbouring cities. Due to this nature, the majority age group of Old Town Ipoh consists mainly of senior citizens. True to this pattern, every possible observation of the town paints the very epitome of classic, vintage kampong-hood.

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In a renewed effort for tourism, the area is well funded and these small business stalls are highly encouraged. However, due to the rising economic and social needs of the populace, it is counterproductive for many presently to carry on their family’s legacy. If this process of modernization goes unhindered, and despite governing measures of preservation – Ipoh Old Town will fade into obscurity alongside this era. The images presented here will perhaps be among the last visual presentation captured into frames for this classic atmosphere. The inevitability of all this only adds to its melancholy.